Eliminate Thigh Cramps

[billc]

So I'm tall and thin-hipped so sitting in the position required to ride a Spyder, even an RT, can cause cramping in the front of my upper thighs. Perhaps you've experienced the same thing.

Here's what I've learned helps to alleviate the cramps when they do occur: Rock/lean forward in the saddle. You don't need to lean a lot; just enough to relieve the stress on that area of your legs.

I still need to occasionally stand up on the pegs to straighten out my legs or do so at stops, standing on the ground, but the realization that I just need to keep leaning forward slightly has helped me a lot. Hope it helps you, too.

bc

[scooterexpress]

after reading both of your threads to relieve pain you need to start up a "SPYDER AEROBATICS"class..with the slogan we will come to you.

[shelbydave]

Do you have Highway pegs, or floorboards? I used to get some cramps in the thighs at first, but with Lamont's NBV pegs, I have no problems anymore.

[Chupaca]

Great advise for those who at times ryde the long freeways and stop only for gas. Thanks..!!

[donec]

I used to have cramps but not since I swithched to using Seal Floorboards. They also add stability and allow me to move my feet around some.

[NitroCircus Spyder]

So I'm tall and thin-hipped so sitting in the position required to ride a Spyder, even an RT, can cause cramping in the front of my upper thighs. Perhaps you've experienced the same thing.

Here's what I've learned helps to alleviate the cramps when they do occur: Rock/lean forward in the saddle. You don't need to lean a lot; just enough to relieve the stress on that area of your legs.

I still need to occasionally stand up on the pegs to straighten out my legs or do so at stops, standing on the ground, but the realization that I just need to keep leaning forward slightly has helped me a lot. Hope it helps you, too.

bc

Thank you BillC for this info. I too sometimes have problems with this and this is good to know.

[billc]

after reading both of your threads to relieve pain you need to start up a "SPYDER AEROBATICS"class..with the slogan we will come to you.

Yeh, and now that I'm not having as many cramps, I could actually DO some aerobatics!!!

You need to ride your Spyder into Utah. We have fabulous scenic highways and you've come up to our doorstep already, judging from your signature state map.

bc

[billc]

I used to have cramps but not since I swithched to using Seal Floorboards. They also add stability and allow me to move my feet around some.

There's no question that the Seal Floorboards would be a terrific addition and, judging from the length, it could completely eliminate even the standing on the pegs. The problem is the price tag. But then, what price can you put on comfort, eh? I'll have to ponder more on getting some. Thanks for the reminder!

bc

[billc]

Great advise for those who at times ryde the long freeways and stop only for gas. Thanks..!!

Aha!!! Another long-distance rider!!! That's my way of riding!

bc

[Rockwall]

The floorboards will be a wise investment to make riding better for you.

[Cavman]

I thought I was the only one with this problem? I'm not tall but I am roundish. I sometimes get butt/thigh cramps. If I move my left foot off the peg forward it's almost an instant cramp.
Sometimes it so bad I have to stop and get off the spyder.
I figure it may be a UN-hydrated problem? But if I'm properly hydrated, that causes other problems.

[donec]

There's no question that the Seal Floorboards would be a terrific addition and, judging from the length, it could completely eliminate even the standing on the pegs. The problem is the price tag. But then, what price can you put on comfort, eh? I'll have to ponder more on getting some. Thanks for the reminder!

bc

There's a little more to consider. You said you are rather tall, if you have long legs (read that as over a 32" inseam) then you should understand that the Seal Floorboards when installed sit on top of the standard pegs. This could mean that your knees will be bent quite a bit. Also when you extend your feet out to the end of the boards due to the width of the Spyder your legs will be spread even more. I have hip problems and so I am not able to ride with my feet extended for very long.

With that said I find that using the Seal Floorboards gives me a good stable platform when making turns or in curves. I can press my foot down against the floorboards and it makes me feel like it is easy to stay on the Spyder instead of feeling like I need to squeeze with my knees to hold on like I was on a horse.

One more note and that is installing the Seal Floorboards is very easy. I installed mine and even though I had to sit in a chair (have a lot of trouble getting down on the ground and back up due to arthritis and a bad back) I was able to do it in about a half hour.

[billc]

I thought I was the only one with this problem? I'm not tall but I am roundish. I sometimes get butt/thigh cramps. If I move my left foot off the peg forward it's almost an instant cramp.
Sometimes it so bad I have to stop and get off the spyder.
I figure it may be a UN-hydrated problem? But if I'm properly hydrated, that causes other problems.

YES!!! I could create the cramp by just lifting my foot off the peg or moving it forward a bit as you suggested. I assure you, you're not alone and, since my cramps can occur immediately after mounting the bike at home where I've topped off my "personal water tank," it can't be dehydration...at least, not for me.

[billc]

There's a little more to consider. You said you are rather tall, if you have long legs (read that as over a 32" inseam) then you should understand that the Seal Floorboards when installed sit on top of the standard pegs. This could mean that your knees will be bent quite a bit. Also when you extend your feet out to the end of the boards due to the width of the Spyder your legs will be spread even more. I have hip problems and so I am not able to ride with my feet extended for very long.

With that said I find that using the Seal Floorboards gives me a good stable platform when making turns or in curves. I can press my foot down against the floorboards and it makes me feel like it is easy to stay on the Spyder instead of feeling like I need to squeeze with my knees to hold on like I was on a horse.

One more note and that is installing the Seal Floorboards is very easy. I installed mine and even though I had to sit in a chair (have a lot of trouble getting down on the ground and back up due to arthritis and a bad back) I was able to do it in about a half hour.

Excellent points! Thank you. I had to give up my Gold Wing Aspencade (1500cc) due to the need to ride constantly as if I were doing the splits thanks to the horizontally-opposed engine cylinders so spread-eagle riding won't work for me. I can just stretch out one leg at a time, though. Right now, I just hold a leg straight out to the side but that gets really old in about a tenth of a second.

If the floorboards don't raise my legs too much, it should be okay. I have a 33" inseam. In fact, most of my height is in my legs and I'm 6'1-1/2".

And, having been a knee-squeezer since my first Spyder (2010 RS SE5), being able to press down on the boards will be an added advantage.

Thanks so much for the added insights!

bc

[StanProff]

YES!!! I could create the cramp by just lifting my foot off the peg or moving it forward a bit as you suggested. I assure you, you're not alone and, since my cramps can occur immediately after mounting the bike at home where I've topped off my "personal water tank," it can't be dehydration...at least, not for me.

Do you have the RT comfort seat that gives the driver 2 inches more room? Seems to me it would help a lot to allow your feet to be more out front and a little less bend in the knees. I have the standard factory pegs but I have added Lamonster's highway pegs. they can be adjusted to give real good streching out room, I wouldn't travel without them.

[billc]

Do you have the RT comfort seat that gives the driver 2 inches more room? Seems to me it would help a lot to allow your feet to be more out front and a little less bend in the knees. I have the standard factory pegs but I have added Lamonster's highway pegs. they can be adjusted to give real good streching out room, I wouldn't travel without them.

No, I have the stock seat. Had the comfort seat on my previous ride, the 2010 RS SE5, and it was nice but I wasn't sure it was worth the additional bucks. I'll have to consider the RT comfort seat. Thanks for the thoughts!

bc

[Bob Denman]

Gee... I kind of look forward to a good cramp once in a while; they keep me nice and alert!

[billc]

Gee... I kind of look forward to a good cramp once in a while; they keep me nice and alert!

Hmmmm. Maybe I shouldn't complain now that I'm a...here it comes..."cramp-pa."

Ugh.

[Bob Denman]

A couple of good cramps during the day is what keeps me awake at work!
Back of the thigh
Outside of the calf
Ooh! thumbs are a real eye-opener!

[ARtraveler]

I have also found that Seal Floorboards are very helpful on rides. I can shift my feet around a little as well as shift weight. It works for me.

[bruiser]

I'm height challenged, when my legs get tired I just hang my feet off the front of the pegs. It helps.

[napper39]

you might need the boards that drop your legs dowen lower than the stock pegs.these is what docdu has and told me about ,ask him how to find them,i got them off ebay two years ago.

[StriperKing]

Eat lots of bananas, yes it really does help.

[DynamoBT]

You guys need to stretch more. Stretch the quads on the front of you thighs by grabbing your foot with the hand on the same side. Gently stretch the front of your thigh. If you can't reach your foot with your hand, get a length of rope and put a loop in it to slide your foot into. Then pull on the rope. Everyone should be able to touch their heel to the back of their thigh.

Hamstrings, on the back of your thigh can be stretched sitting down. Lean forward from the hips not your waist. Bend with legs together and legs apart.

Dehydration could be more of an issue than you think. A lot of people walk around borderline dehydrated all the time.

I will admit that I am lucky I'm short overall so my legs fit the Spyder quite well. But being more flexible can't hurt and might help. I'm not kidding when I write this.

[donec]

Excellent points! Thank you. I had to give up my Gold Wing Aspencade (1500cc) due to the need to ride constantly as if I were doing the splits thanks to the horizontally-opposed engine cylinders so spread-eagle riding won't work for me. I can just stretch out one leg at a time, though. Right now, I just hold a leg straight out to the side but that gets really old in about a tenth of a second.

If the floorboards don't raise my legs too much, it should be okay. I have a 33" inseam. In fact, most of my height is in my legs and I'm 6'1-1/2".

And, having been a knee-squeezer since my first Spyder (2010 RS SE5), being able to press down on the boards will be an added advantage.

Thanks so much for the added insights!

bc

I also have a 33" inseam so you should be ok, I'm 6' 0" at 298lbs and love the Seal Floorboards.